ikon.5 architects, Princeton, United States

History in the making

ikon.5 architects use the heritage of a site to inspire their work

Architecture is storytelling in built form. Its purpose is to embody the meaning and values of our institutions in built form. ikon.5 architects seek to find a timeless architectural expression that is connected to the historical meaning of a place and is influenced by the contemporary cultural conditions that will make it relevant and meaningful today.

ikon.5 architects design process is one of synthesis and understanding which evaluates the context of a site and programme and explores modern interpretive solutions that are often found in complementary art such as painting, sculpture, music, film, etc. The result of this design process is innovative modern expressions that are inextricably and meaningfully tied to the heritage of a particular place and time.

The expansion to the School of Art and Design at the New York State College of Ceramics is itself a ceramic sculpture inspired by the historical ceramic and glass manufacturing region of western New York were this project is sited.

The Campus Commons at The State University of New York is a reinterpretation of the Shawangunk Ridge in the nearby Catskill Mountains, whilst the Hockessin Public Library is a cantilevered landscape floating over a flood plain.

The rotunda of the EJ Ourso College of Business references the arcaded pavilions of the historic campus of Louisiana State University but renders the building in contemporary materials of architectural bronze and glass.

The Wellness Center at the College of New Rochelle is a metaphor for the Garden of Eden, a paradisiacal place of total wellness, rendered in stone, concrete and natural daylight.

Inspired by contemporary artists working in light and glass, Schindler Elevator Corporations U.S. Headquarters is a light art installation that explores movement and displacement.